Two arrested on car burglary charges in Fair Lawn

A victim of an alleged car burglary helped to secure one of the suspects before police arrived.

According to a press release issued by Sgt. Brian Metzler of the Fair Lawn Police Department, on Oct. 15, Officer Ian Manelis and Capt. Robert Kneer were driving past the area of 27th Street and Pellack Drive when they observed a physical altercation occurring outside the Chase Bank on 27-02 Broadway. According to police, once the parties were separated, it was determined that a victim to a car burglary on 27th Street had chased down one of two alleged burglars and was holding him until police came on the scene.

Police arrested Emmanuel Bernard, 23, of Paterson, at the scene. Darling Alba, 22, of Paterson, was located on Plaza Road at Rosalie Street by Officers Chris O'Shaughnessy and Kenneth Cavanagh with assistance from the Bergen County Sheriff's Department K-9 Unit.

According to police, property belonging to the victim was found in the duo's possession and identified by the victim. It was also found that clothes were taken from a clothing bin nearby and a second car was entered on Banta Place.

Both were charged with three counts of burglary and two counts of theft. Bail was set on both men at $50,000 with a 10-percent option. They were sent to Bergen County Jail.